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I have seen references to epsom salt baths in several threads now. What is the purpose and what does it do, and how much of what ??)

Posted by: Ribbit, Thursday, February 18, 2010, 9:02pm; Reply: 1

Try a bath in garlic and ginger first.

Posted by: Ribbit, Thursday, February 18, 2010, 9:03pm; Reply: 2

Just kidding.

Posted by: Frosty, Thursday, February 18, 2010, 9:03pm; Reply: 3

Hi Golf,

I use it for relaxing sore achey mucsles and removing toxins from the body. I also use it to relax and reduce stress. I soak in an epsom salts bath 3-4 times a week and sometimes more. I literally let the epsom salts "take me away". I bathe in a dark bathroom with the only light beeing from my soy candles and soft piano music playing on my ipod dock. I also add a Tbsp or two of Lavender Essential Oil. I have tried to meditate and the closest I get to it is my baths... This high energy high strung wild girl actually does relax.. woohooo

I prescribe epsom salt soaks a lot to acne clients for back acne

Epsom salts are used for many other things and you can find all kinds of things it is used for at:

I use it for relaxing sore achey mucsles and removing toxins from the body. I also use it to relax and reduce stress. I soak in an epsom salts bath 3-4 times a week and sometimes more. I literally let the epsom salts "take me away". I bathe in a dark bathroom with the only light beeing from my soy candles and soft piano music playing on my ipod dock. I also add a Tbsp or two of Lavender Essential Oil. I have tried to meditate and the closest I get to it is my baths... This high energy high strung wild girl actually does relax.. woohooo

I prescribe epsom salt soaks a lot to acne clients for back acne

Epsom salts are used for many other things and you can find all kinds of things it is used for at:

Took me a while to get it. LOL. It'd keep the vampires and lovers at bay for sure!

I heard about Epsom baths when I was researching G6PD deficiency. G6PD - deficients have impaired detox ability and should avoid sulphites because of low levels of sulphur in the body necessary to process those. You can increase sulphur in your diet through garlic, onions and also taking Epsom Salt baths ( ;) Ribbit!).

Then I also read about them re: salicylates and amines. If you are low in sulphur these food chemicals may build up in you. It's all about detox. Also found that it is recommended for people with Autism as they are often deficient in Sulphur.

It totally relaxes me and gets rid of any aches and pains and puts me in a sleepy mood. Seems to increase digestion ability and I've felt less aches and more detoxed since starting. A cup disolved in warm bath once a week or so.

Epsom salt is the common name for magnesium sulfate (a chemical compound containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen) I heard recently that through the skin is the best way to absorb magnesium into the body??!! :-/ Anyone know if this is true? I lament the absence of a bath then, if that is a fact... Our spa is way to big to soak in - its takes ages to fill, not to mention heaps of water... ??) ::) I guess we could both soak in it though...Hmmmm there goes the evening... wink wink lol

Ribbit, I was going to say that would be a sure way to be invited to sleep in the guest room... :-/ You are so bad ;)

Depends who is in the spare room.... ::) ;D :D

Posted by: Monti, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 4:58pm; Reply: 19

I would like to state the obvious (with the use of Epsom Salts at least in our house) help you poop!

Back in the day my DH was a black belt fighter and over did it... so I recommended an Epsom salt bath... he tossed the whole milk jug (we bought it in a 2L size container) into one bath and soaked way past prune-ee.... 30 minutes after he was re-visiting the bathroom for another special event..... Our joke now is if there was ever an issues to lose weight to fight... he'd just take an epsom salt bath... he believes he lost 20lbs of poop!

Posted by: Ribbit, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 5:30pm; Reply: 20

Are you serious?! Must try.(think)(whistle)

Posted by: Frosty, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 6:26pm; Reply: 21

Yes, it does work with higher concentration of Epsom Salts in the water and a good long soak.

Posted by: Frosty, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 6:36pm; Reply: 22

Health Benefits

Studies show these benefits from the major components of Epsom Salt may: Magnesium:

Ease stress and improves sleep and concentration Help muscles and nerves function properly Regulate activity of 325+ enzymes Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots Make insulin more effective Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps Improve oxygen use

Why it works:Magnesium - the key component of Epsom Salt -- performs more functions in more systems of the human body than virtually any other mineral, including regulating the activity of more than 325 enzymes. Studies show that magnesium is:

An electrolyte, helping to ensure proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function. Critical to the proper use of calcium in cells. An aid in helping to prevent heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Medical research also indicates that magnesium may:

Increase the effectiveness of insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes. Reduce inflammation and relieves pain, making it a beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.

Although magnesium can be absorbed through the digestive tract, many foods, drugs and medical conditions can interfere with the effectiveness of this deliver method. Therefore, soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is one of the most effective means of making the magnesium your body needs readily available.

Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which medical research indicates are needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Studies show that sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and help to detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Studies indicate that sulfates are difficult to absorb from food, but are readily absorbed through the skin.

Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it’s gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing achy muscles to helping start or improve gardens. It’s easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee.

Resource: Epsom Salt Council

Posted by: Melissa_J, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 9:19pm; Reply: 23

I overheard one of the NDs at the conference in 05 talking about putting a little regular salt in with the epsom salt to increase the magnesium absorption. I'm not sure how it works, it frees up the Mg ions somehow... it does feel good.

For those who don't have a bathtub, you could just soak your feet, and you could even combine it into a salt scrub to use in the shower. The crystals will help with exfoliation to boot, although you wouldn't have it on you for as long as you would with a soak.

The intent of that humor was suggesting if enough of us BTD jokesters were in the same room, Dr D might disown us :)

Not likely. :)

Debra :)

Posted by: LovetoRead, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 1:16pm; Reply: 38

I usually used about 2 cups per bath....it's not hugely specific.

Posted by: Frosty, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 5:40pm; Reply: 39

Depends on what you are trying to achieve with the soak. I use between 2-6 lbs. For a regular soak I use a 2 lb. box. Yes,... I use a lot, but it works!

Best buy on epsom salts is at costco in the 12 lb bag or another great deal is at the Dollar Tree. They sell it by the 2 lb box for $1.00

Posted by: Ribbit, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 6:15pm; Reply: 40

DH is back from his trip, so I had the luxury of taking a long bath this morning. Mistake #1. Now I just want to curl up and go to bed. I used about 2 c. After a little while my belly started making all sorts of noises. :o I feel physically tired and a little nauseated. My arms are aching.

DH is back from his trip, so I had the luxury of taking a long bath this morning. Mistake #1. Now I just want to curl up and go to bed. I used about 2 c. After a little while my belly started making all sorts of noises. :o I feel physically tired and a little nauseated. My arms are aching.

DH is back from his trip, so I had the luxury of taking a long bath this morning. Mistake #1. Now I just want to curl up and go to bed. I used about 2 c. After a little while my belly started making all sorts of noises. :o I feel physically tired and a little nauseated. My arms are aching.

Ribbit, this being the case should one start with less and gradually increase the amount of esalt ??)

Yes you will!!! Not the cigarette, just the bath. The smoking comment was a joke. ;)

Hmmm, guess that depends upon what one chooses to smoke ??)

Posted by: Melissa_J, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 9:26pm; Reply: 46

I've never had soreness from an epsom salt bath, hmmm. Have to ponder that one. You mean aching like sore muscles?

For tummy gurgling and troubles, or to help get things moving, you can also rub a little peppermint essential oil on your tummy...dilute with a bit of olive oil or some such. That's especially good for gas and cramping, but also helpful with gastroenteritis (stomach flu) pain.

Posted by: Frosty, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 9:40pm; Reply: 47

I have been thinking about this since my last post, because I have never had my body revolt from a mild epsoms salt bath, like Ribbit has.

I think I remember reading here that she was tired, due to her full-time "hands on" mommying and home schooling and house wifing and barely has a moment for herself. I don't know about any of you, but I would be more than tired, I would be flat out exhausted. I would think the bath would do her wonders.

Listen to your body miss Ribbit. You could be hyper-sensitive because you are worn out. I don't know, I am really scratching my head on this one. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Wow! Did you begin with that amount of esalt or increase as you took more baths ??)

My usual soaks are with 2-3 lbs of epsom salt, there is plenty of therapeutic effect from 2-3 lbs. If I am achey, sore mucsles or really not feeling like myself I add more, up to 6 lbs. Please note: I have a large bath tub and it is rare that I use 6 lbs and most common when I increase it is up to 4lbs total.

Golf if you have a big tub, you can start with 4C and you should be fine. If you have a smaller tub start with 2C. For ultra relaxation use some relaxing essential oil, soft music and candles. It works for romancing the one your with also. ;)

Posted by: Lola, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:04pm; Reply: 49

and take into account your individuality, whenever you adopt someone else s recipe!!remember you re breast feeding.....something to consider and add to the mix, I think :)

My usual soaks are with 2-3 lbs of epsom salt, there is plenty of therapeutic effect from 2-3 lbs. If I am achey, sore mucsles or really not feeling like myself I add more, up to 6 lbs. Please note: I have a large bath tub and it is rare that I use 6 lbs and most common when I increase it is up to 4lbs total.

Golf if you have a big tub, you can start with 4C and you should be fine. If you have a smaller tub start with 2C. For ultra relaxation use some relaxing essential oil, soft music and candles. It works for romancing the one your with also. ;)

Thank you Frosty! I shall try it. The esalt soak too ;D

Posted by: Ribbit, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:44pm; Reply: 51

Yeah, strange things happen to your body when you're exhausted.

Anyway, I went up after lunch and tried to take a nap but couldn't. I just lay there with my eyes shut for a couple of hours. My stomach's feeling better, but my arms are still very heavy. I can't blame the stomach thing on the salts--it just got significantly worse after the bath. I've already been feeling iffy, maybe because of a stomach virus ??) or maybe because of the vitamin D I just started taking. Nobody else has gotten the "virus", so maybe I'm feeling sick because of the D.

Posted by: Monti, Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 4:12am; Reply: 52

ribbit... I kind of think you may be detoxing... being a momma is hard work... your whole body is over worked. If you can get a chance to just relax- take it...

As for the arms feeling heavy.. as asked DH if this happened to him... he said that his legs would feel heavy after a soak & hard class (karate). His comment was that maybe your baby is going through a growth spurt, you are lifting more than usual and in combination with the salt soak - your arms feel heavy from the work out (and whatever else happens when your arms have had a work out).

Just our opinions over here...

Posted by: Robyn Mc, Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7:49pm; Reply: 53

Golfz--just to chime in, I've been putting the Epsom salts in my bath for years for sore muscles and relaxation at the suggestion of my chiropractor. Sometimes, I add a few drops of essential lavender oil as it helps me relax and has other benefits. Love the stuff. Also, a lot more economical than expensive bath salts.

Golfz--just to chime in, I've been putting the Epsom salts in my bath for years for sore muscles and relaxation at the suggestion of my chiropractor. Sometimes, I add a few drops of essential lavender oil as it helps me relax and has other benefits. Love the stuff. Also, a lot more economical than expensive bath salts.

I took my 1st one last night, couldn't tell much other than my skin being softer... I put two pounds in the tub. Soaked for 10 -15 mins... :-/

Ribbit, sorry to hear that it didn't agree with you. First time I had one I used 1 cup but found I also got an upset stomach slightly (maybe because it helps you make more enzymes and it's a shock to the system ?). Felt good for a few days though (detox) but had a sulphate kind of taste, didn't get headaches so it probably helped with tolerating foods and chemicals (sulphate helps you detox sulphur), and wow I felt clean like you Golfzilla. No divots on you mate.

The next bath I had only used half a cup and felt the muscle relaxing effects with less shock to the system. Jelly muscles! Like after a big swim.

Just found this summary that shows how sulphate helps detox food chemicals http://www.allnaturaladvantage.com.au/Phenol%20Sensitivity.htm and epsom salt baths are a good way to get it. I've been getting headaches really badly lately and more sensitive to salicylates, like headache after 1/4 cup watered apple juice. So I reckon that Calcium supplement with boron is going in the bin now and it's also because I didn't have my epsom salt bath for a few weeks until tonight. Another place I read that taking NAC-Cysteine (high in sulphate) could help salicylate tolerance. Cysteine is a precursor to glutathione - this is all related. No wonder epsom salt baths help detox.

On the packet they recommend 375g on the packet for a bath, dissolved in warm water. That's around 2 cups. Maybe I can work up to that.

People have been bathing in sulphur and mineral pools for many years and enjoying the therapeutic effects. :)

Posted by: Symbi, Friday, February 26, 2010, 1:36pm; Reply: 57

Just found a study on plasma levels of sulphate and magnesium before and after and much more.http://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml - Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin

It suggests doses like Frosty does:

Quoted Text

The values obtained suggest that most people would find maximal benefit by bathing 2 or 3 times/ week, using 500-600g Epsom salts each time.

How did you first get into this Frosty?

Quoted Text

..Interestingly, both volunteers, who were > 60 years old, commented without prompting that 'rheumatic' pains had disappeared.

That's intesting.. When I researched glucosamine sulphate, that is the only type of glucosamine studies have been done on for arthritis. It is helpful, but how much is from the sulphate not just the glucosamine?

Well next time I won't put soap in as well so I can amp it up. Probably shouldn't put soap in - won't need to. doh!

I have been doing this for years for sore mucsles or when I am sick and achey. I suggest it to clients with back acne and to my clients that are arthritic (both Osteo and RA) as well as those with Fibromyalgia. They all report back to me favorable results. When I started working out again 3-5 times a week, is when I started doing the Epsom soaks more regularly. I would feel so good following, the bath, that it became a treat after I worked out or got a massage. Not only do I feel good physically, it seems to make my mental health feel good too. It calms me, I am sure from the relaxation I get from the ES and the Lavender EO I use as well. Now it is truly something I look forward to, I can let myself go for 30 minutes several times a week.

Years ago, like 20 years ago, I lived in Portland Oregon. My friends and I would go once a month to a place called Carson Hot Springs. It is on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, about an hour or a little more from Portland. It is a mineral hot springs that they have turned into a spa of sorts. One can get a bath, wrap and massage for about $75.00. Back then it was $40.00. The mineral bath, wrap and massage were so healing, I looked forward to our trips up there. http://www.carsonhotspringresort.com/

In Arizona the closest thing I can find to Carson Hot Springs is a good massage, followed by an Epsom Salt soak in my own bath tub at home. ;)

Well, see.....That's very interesting because I was having a breakout* and after my bath it all started clearing up, but I didn't put the two together because I'd also drunk a bunch of pineapple juice and I know pineapple juice helps decrease the inflammation under the bumps.

Oh, yes, I shall do the bath again. (dance)

*Last Sunday I went to an event and was delighted to see a dish there that's an avoid for me but that I love, so I decided to take just a tidbit. Often this particular dish has pimentos in it (for those who don't know I am VERY allergic to plants in the nightshade family and one of the things they cause for me is cyst-like acne), but because it didn't have pimentos, I thought I could get away with it. I took one bite and my mouth started burning and I looked at it very closely and thought I could see tell-tale signs of cayenne pepper. I wasn't happy. I decided that I would practice being a B and put my mind over the matter and NO REACT. I warned DH (because I get mean when I've had a nightshade) that I'd been exposed but that I was NOT GOING TO REACT (even as my skin began to bubble up in its typical reaction). That is when I took the bath, and things began to simmer back down.

I do believe the bath helped take those nightshade toxins and wash them down the drain.

So I reckon that Calcium supplement with boron is going in the bin now...

Did you ever think of contacting the company & report/discuss the reaction you had to it? Most companies will replace a product you can't use, with something you can, as they are keen to keep your custom...Great to hear all the stories on epsom salt baths!! Glad you feel to continue Ribbit & that it had a good effect on your skin!!

Posted by: Ribbit, Saturday, February 27, 2010, 3:05pm; Reply: 63

Do epsom salts detox the liver? I mean soaking in them, not drinking them.

Posted by: Amazone I., Saturday, February 27, 2010, 3:27pm; Reply: 64

;D ;D(funny)(funny)(hehe)

Posted by: Ribbit, Saturday, February 27, 2010, 6:12pm; Reply: 65

I wasn't trying to be funny. :-/ There are directions for drinking them on the package.

Posted by: Victoria, Saturday, February 27, 2010, 7:00pm; Reply: 66

This is not your question, Ribbit, but I was just remembering how Dr. D has mentioned liver detox with castor oil-soaked flannel cloth laid on the right side and covered with hot water bottle or heating pad.

Well, I did another salt bath tonight. I didn't have any negative reaction this time. My skin feels like it's healing nicely and the bumps are shrinking. Hurray!

Posted by: Munchkin76, Sunday, February 28, 2010, 7:25am; Reply: 73

Leanne

Absolutely - the little one indeed must come first (I had forgotten you were breastfeeding) ;)

Glad this further bath experience was nicer than the first one.

I had a similar experience to you the first Epsom bath I took - legs like jelly, a bit dizzy and on the toilet about 20 minutes later! Had another one last night and it was much nicer. Maybe it's a bit of a detox response the first time round?

Did you ever think of contacting the company & report/discuss the reaction you had to it? Most companies will replace a product you can't use, with something you can, as they are keen to keep your custom...Great to hear all the stories on epsom salt baths!! Glad you feel to continue Ribbit & that it had a good effect on your skin!!

Hi Possum,Yep I rang them up and said I'd had a bad stomach reaction to it, they asked what kind? It's too generalised. I said that I'd read on the internet that boric acid is banned in some countries from being in supplements and asked if they were going to get rid of it. She said "it wouldn't be in there if it was bad for you, r&d etc, I take it myself. The boron is needed to help get the calcium into your bones..."

Now I find out it could be the horsetail in it as well, that can also be bad for people with kidney problems.

So I ended up giving the bottle to an O type friend who can use it. I got a more basic one, it's hard though to find Calcium citrate not carbonate though (not enough stomach acid to digest for us As). You live and learn, will research any supplements fully before going shopping now. ;)

Posted by: Possum, Monday, March 1, 2010, 9:11am; Reply: 75

That's too bad they wouldn't replace it for you!! :( They must be softer in NZ... ??) Or maybe I am more persuasive?? :-/

I got a more basic one, it's hard though to find Calcium citrate not carbonate though (not enough stomach acid to digest for us As). You live and learn, will research any supplements fully before going shopping now. ;)

Citracal Calcium Citrate.. It is the only one I can take and is available in most stores I have been too. BUT, I haven't been to any stores in Australia. :(

... Yeah, I'm not too persuasive sometimes, but you get that. I have other skills though ;)

Absolutely!! Anyway - you may have just struck out with the rep on the other end of the line...If anything, I meant it more as an indictment on me anyhow...but even I strike out at times, if a company just does not want to play ball!!!Wonder which "well known yellow & green NZ brand" that is?? :-/

I've seen that one thanks Frosty. I ended up getting one with Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K1, Vitamin C as well as calcium citrate and calcium chelate.I've used that one before and it was good. Only concern I had was ?G6PD deficients aren't supposed to take vitamin C or Vitamin K as it can cause oxidative stress.

Probably the Citracal would be the best, next time I'll get that. One day I would like to try Dr D's one too. Thanks Frosty, you're cool ;)

Possum, yes, I wouldn't want to wrong you. Wheat is still down for the count after your last post on that. I've been giving it up since you wrote that (and all the tests are over - still awaiting results tho ::)) hyperacusis is nearly gone (Lola was right that it is inflammation based, as she always is), and I feel fab!!!!Another hint, their brand is supposed to be from "nature". #)$*JF